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Questions Turn Personal at Forum, Part 2

June 7, 2007

By LOYD BRUMFIELD / Today Newspapers

Though it was a forum between two candidates running for a seat on the Cedar Hill City Council, schools were the main topic of concern - along with the sexual orientation of one of the candidates.

Place 5 incumbent Makia Epie and challenger Jason Russell addressed the issues at a forum held May 29 at the Cedar Hill Recreation Center and sponsored by the Kingswood Homeowners Association and the High Pointe Public Improvement District.

The two candidates will face each other in a June 16 runoff election. Epie received the most votes of four candidates running for Place 5 in the May 12 election, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a runoff with Russell, who finished second by 14 votes over current Cedar Hill School Board member Valerie Banks.

Wirt Stoney Jackson finished fourth in the race.

The Cedar Hill School District received a healthy dose of criticism from the audience despite the fact that neither Epie nor Russell, as city council members, would have a say in setting the district’s policies.

Epie passionately defended CHISD and said parents should look to themselves first when investigating why their children’s education doesn’t measure up.

“Before we criticize others, let’s look in the mirror and say, ‘What am I doing to educate my child?’” said Epie, a 12-year member of the city council.

Audience members brought up several CHISD-related topics, including a perceived lack of communication between the city and school board - particularly under a former superintendent, it was alleged - the lack of available birth control in Cedar Hill schools and too great of an “acceptance” for homosexuality in the district.

The question of acceptance for gays and lesbians was directed at Russell, an eight-year resident of Cedar Hill, a longtime civic volunteer and an openly gay man.

One woman said her children wouldn’t attend schools where gay students were “too forward” and wondered how Russell reconciled his orientation with his Christian beliefs.

“Different parts of the Bible say different things and have different interpretations,” said Russell, who staunchly defended himself. “About 10 years ago I had a conversation with my Lord and that’s something no one can take away from me or can be taken away from anyone else.”

Russell said diversity was part of what makes Cedar Hill special and all of its residents should stand up against hate.

“Certain religious leaders in this community like to spread hate, and that’s something we don’t need,” Russell said, not mentioning names.

At least one Dallas minister who lives in Cedar Hill circulated a letter before the May 12 election stating Russell would be unfit to hold office.

Epie did not comment on concerns about gay issues but stuck to the topic of the school district and what he has accomplished in his years on the city council.

“The Cedar Hill Independent School District is my heart. I carry it wherever I go because of what it’s done for my family,” he said, adding that he has six children who have graduated from Cedar Hill schools.

“We went to the school board and asked them to congratulate the teachers because they are doing a great job. Having said that, the first problem lies with us, the parents. I don’t want our teachers to be babysitters.”

Russell said he had heard reports of a lack of communication between the city and schools, but he believes those problems are a thing of the past with the hiring of new Superintendent Horace Williams.

Epie said he did not know of any personal battles between former superintendents and any member of the city council.

“Yes, we had many battles over the (under construction) government center, but you’re supposed to do that,” Epie said, referring to the new structure that will house city and school district offices and the police department. “But you leave it there.”

Another audience member said a lack of available birth control in schools has led to several pregnancies “thanks to our Bible-toting Christians who said we couldn’t have birth control.”

“The former superintendent made some errors, but it wasn’t just him,” the questioner continued.

“It takes two people to have a dialogue, and there were certain city council members who didn’t like him.”

The same questioner also voiced concerns about gay issues.

“I’m the same person I am every day,” Russell said. “I get to represent the city the best way I know how. I’m also battling a select few who say what I am doing is wrong.”

Russell is a member of First United Methodist Church and said he has the support of its pastor, Van Lazaroff, and his wife.

“I am going to do the best I can to represent everybody in the community, not just people who are straight, gay, or black or blue,” Russell said.

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